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4th, 5th Grades  Project 2 weeks

"Architectural Adventures: From SF to the World"

Jenny B
Anchor Standard 11
VA:Cn10.1.5a
1B-IC-20
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

This project immerses students in the world of architecture, encouraging them to explore how buildings serve as cultural and historical symbols while addressing modern sustainability challenges. By engaging with local architects and environmental experts, students will gain hands-on experience in designing a sustainable building tailored to San Francisco's unique environment. Through collaborative workshops, virtual tours, and reflective journaling, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, fostering a deeper understanding of architecture's impact on society and the environment.

Learning goals

Students will explore how architecture reflects cultural and historical contexts by examining global architectural styles and their significance. They will apply principles of sustainable design to create eco-friendly building models tailored to San Francisco's unique environment. Through collaboration with local architects and environmental experts, students will enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while fostering a sense of identity and belonging. They will engage in self-directed learning by using feedback and self-reflection to refine their designs and deepen their understanding of architecture's impact on society.
Standards
  • [National Core Arts Standards] Anchor Standard 11 - Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical context to deepen understanding.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] VA:Cn10.1.5a - Apply formal and conceptual vocabularies of art and design to view surroundings in new ways through artmaking.
  • [Computer Science Teachers Association] 1B-IC-20 - Seek diverse perspectives for the purpose of improving computational artifacts.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create detailed sketches and blueprints of a sustainable building tailored to San Francisco's environment, drawing inspiration from global architectural styles. They will also develop a digital presentation showcasing their design process, including the cultural and historical influences on their architectural choices. Additionally, students will compile a reflection journal documenting their learning experiences, challenges, and insights about sustainable architecture and its impact on society.

Launch

Kick off the project with an immersive 'Design Challenge Workshop' where students collaborate in small groups, guided by local architects, to brainstorm and sketch a sustainable building for San Francisco. This hands-on session will draw inspiration from global architectural styles and set the stage for students to explore the intersection of culture, history, and sustainability in architecture.

Exhibition

At the conclusion of the project, organize an "Architecture Expo" where students present their sustainable building designs to an audience of peers, parents, local architects, and community members. Each group will showcase their blueprints and models, explaining the cultural and environmental inspirations behind their designs. The event will include a feedback session where attendees can provide constructive input, fostering a sense of community engagement and real-world application of the students' learning.